Banding Together
Recently, we saw many of our neighbors lose everything from their homes, to personal items, businesses, and more. During the historic flooding that displaced thousands, the communities surrounding pulled together to bring needed supplies, safe havens, and support to these families. This mentality has always been one of the key pieces that brings us together in our communities that stretch along the creek and throughout Northeast Kentucky, and has me further thinking about all the ways that banding together has made an impact in my life.
Growing up in Lewis County with my parents and siblings I always knew there was something special about the area, of course it was beautiful (still is), but it also provided a sense of place and security that I’ve always wondered if others felt in their upbringing. Neighbors helping neighbors, children playing together at all hours, and watching everyone grow together through every trial and tribulation.
The conversation on the blog today is around communities in general, and my initial curiosity growing up on if everyone felt this sense of safety, community, and security. Now, as I’ve gotten older and the world has shown me this isn’t the case for as many as I originally had hoped, there are many communities in which the children can’t play outside, neighborhoods in which nobody actually knows their neighbors, and inconceivable amounts of suffering.
Then, something tragic happens, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, massive destruction all around, and not only do we see the communities come together, we see the entire country pull together to send water, food, and basic necessities as well as traveling to these areas to help those in need. We live in a country where folks still band together, and while 2020 was a devastating year, and many will argue that 2021 isn’t off to a great start, we still see people banding together, much like I saw in my youth growing up along Trace Creek.
The next time something in your own neighborhood happens, pay attention to the people that move together to help in the situation. If you’re from a home like mine, count yourself very lucky, I know I most surely do.